The United States Mint announced the designs for the 2024 commemorative coins honoring the Greatest Generation.
Authorized under Public Law 117-162, the Greatest Generation Commemorative Coin Act, the U.S. Mint will offer proof and uncirculated quality coins in 2024, including up to 50,000 $5 gold coins, 400,000 silver dollars, and 750,000 clad half dollars, all emblematic of the National World War II Memorial and the service and sacrifice of American soldiers and civilians during World War II.
"We hope this program will honor their unwavering courage and selfless spirit," said U.S. Mint Director Ventris C. Gibson.
Each coin’s sale price will include a surcharge, which will be directed to the Friends of the National World War II Memorial. This surcharge is intended to provide support for the National Park Service, aiding in the maintenance and repair of the National World War II Memorial, as well as funding educational and commemorative programs.
U.S. Mint-published line art images and descriptions of the coin designs follow.
$5 Gold Coin Obverse Design
Designer: Heidi Wastweet
Sculptor: Eric David Custer
The obverse (heads) design features a section of the Wall of Stars at the World War II Memorial with an Olive Branch. Each star on the wall represents 100 Americans who lost their lives in the war, and the Olive Branch represents the peace that followed thanks to their sacrifice. The inscriptions are "LIBERTY," "IN GOD WE TRUST," "2024," and "WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL."
$5 Gold Coin Reverse Design
Designer: Ben Sowards
Sculptor: Joseph Menna
The reverse (tails) design shows a folded American flag, such as one that would be presented at the funeral of a fallen service member. The inscriptions include "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "E PLURIBUS UNUM," "WWII MEMORIAL," "TO UNITE THE GENERATIONS OF TOMORROW," and "FIVE DOLLARS."
Silver Dollar Obverse Design
Designer: Beth Zaiken
Sculptor: Phebe Hemphill
The design features six figures working together to support the Earth, illustrating the cooperation of each of the military branches (Army Air Forces, Coast Guard, Navy, Army, and Marine Corps), as well as the Merchant Marine during World War II. The inscriptions are "1941-1945," "WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL," "DEFENDERS OF FREEDOM," "LIBERTY," "IN GOD WE TRUST," and "2024."
Silver Dollar Reverse Design
Designer: Ben Sowards
Sculptor: Renata Gordon
The reverse design features a view from beneath a baldacchino, a sculptural canopy inside a Victory Pavilion in the World War II Memorial. The sculpture depicts four eagles holding a laurel wreath, within which is a globe centered on the Pacific Ocean. The inscriptions are "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "E PLURIBUS UNUM," "VICTORY," "IN THE AIR," "AT SEA," "ON LAND," "WWII MEMORIAL," and "ONE DOLLAR."
Half Dollar Obverse Design
Designer: Elana Hagler
Sculptor: Craig A. Campbell
The obverse design re-imagines the Victory Medal that was awarded to all who served in the Armed Forces during World War II. The figure of Liberation stands with open arms holding two halves of a broken sword, symbolizing the war’s conclusion. The inscriptions are "LIBERTY," "IN GOD WE TRUST," "WORLD WAR II," "2024," and "WE ANSWERED THE CALL."
Half Dollar Reverse Design
Designer: Matt Swaim
Sculptor: John P. McGraw
The reverse design depicts the World War II Memorial from the point of view of a person walking up a ramp leading to one of the towers. The inscriptions are "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "E PLURIBUS UNUM," and "HALF DOLLAR."
